Package with an applicator for a contact lens

Abstract

A package ( 1 ) for, together with a saline solution ( 14 ), storing a contact lens ( 9 ) has an applicator for applying the contact lens in an eye ( 17 ). The package comprises a cup ( 4 ) with a convex surface ( 7 ) and a fingerstall ( 3 ) with a concave surface ( 11 ). The cup and the fingerstall are, in the unopened condition of the package, closely joined with a strip ( 5 ) which is relatively easily torn off when the package is to be opened. When the cup is removed from the fingerstall, this functions as an applicator with the wet contact lens adhering to the concave surface of the fingerstall. By means of the package, the contact lens can be applied in an eye in a clean and sterile condition and without risk of the contact lens carrying foreign bodies and bacteria-containing dirt which might irritate and damage the eye.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A package ( 1 ) for a contact lens ( 9 ) for application in an eye ( 17 ), the package ( 1 ) comprising a first part arranged to, when opening the package, function as an applicator with a concave surface formed mainly complementary to the convex side ( 8 ) of the contact lens ( 9 ) for carrying the contact lens during application; and a second part closely joined with the first part in the unopened condition of the package and together with this first part delimiting a chamber ( 13 ) for storing the contact lens, wherein the second part of the package ( 1 ) is formed with a mainly complementary, in relation to the concave surface of the contact lens, convex surface that, in the unopened condition of the package, is placed opposite to the convex surface at a distance which at least corresponds to the thickness of the contact lens; and 
       wherein the first part of the package comprises a relatively thin sheet ( 19 ) with at least one free tongue ( 23   a,b,c ) projecting from the package; that, on this sheet, a projection ( 21 ) is placed which, in the unopened condition of the package, is extending into its chamber ( 13 ), and that the concave surface of the package is formed on the free terminal surface of the projection.  
     
     
       2. A package ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein the first part of the package consists of a tube ( 42 ) and a displaceable piston ( 44 ) tightly placed in the tube; that the concave surface of the package is formed on the terminal surface of the piston, and that the second part of the package is closely joined with the tube in its unopened condition. 
     
     
       3. A package ( 1 ) according to  claim 2 , characterised in that a hollow fitting a finger ( 50 ) and debouching in the terminal surface opposite of the concave surface of the piston is made in the piston. 
     
     
       4. A package ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein the first and the second part of the package are joined with an easily breakable sealing ( 5 ) in the unopened condition of the package. 
     
     
       5. A package ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein the first part of the package ( 1 ) is mainly formed as a fingerstall ( 3 ), and that its concave surface ( 11 ) is formed on the exterior of the bottom ( 10 ) of this fingerstall. 
     
     
       6. A package ( 1 ) for a contact lens ( 9 ) for application in an eye ( 17 ), the package ( 1 ) comprises a first part arranged to, when opening the package, function as an applicator with a concave surface formed mainly complementary to the convex side ( 8 ) of the contact lens ( 9 ) for carrying the contact lens during application; and a second part closely joined with the first part in the unopened condition of the package and together with this first part delimiting a chamber ( 13 ) for storing the contact lens, wherein the second part of the package ( 1 ) is formed with a mainly complementary, in relation to the concave surface of the contact lens, convex surface that, in the unopened condition of the package, is placed opposite to the convex surface at a distance which at least corresponds to the thickness of the contact lens; and 
       wherein the first part of the package is formed as an elastomeric cup ( 26 ); that the concave surface of the part is formed on the inside of the bottom ( 28 ) of this cup, and that the second part of the package comprises a sheet ( 31 ) closely joined with the rim ( 32 ) of the first part in the unopened condition of the package ( 1 ) and having at least one free tongue projecting from the package.  
     
     
       7. A package ( 1 ) according to  claim 6 , characterised in that the cup has a relatively flexible side wall ( 27 ) and a relatively rigid bottom ( 28 ). 
     
     
       8. A package ( 1 ) according to  claim 6  or  7 , characterised in that the sheet is made up of a relatively rigid first foil closely joined with the cup rim and having a preshaped opening mainly delimited by this rim, and a second foil closely joined with the first foil and at least covering its opening.